Daily Briefs (March 29)

Gov. Granholm sees U.S. Supreme Court appointment as unlikely

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Jennifer Granholm doesn’t know what she’ll be doing once she leaves office in January, but says becoming a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court is unlikely.

The term-limited Democrat told Michigan Public Radio Network on Friday that being appointed to a future vacancy by President Barack Obama would be a great opportunity, but “I just don't think it will happen.”

Granholm is in the final year of her second term. She says she’ll probably be running something in the next phase of her career, but doesn’t know what that will be. She expects to stay in Michigan, but didn’t close the door on leaving.

When she steps down from the governorship, the 51-year-old hopes to take a couple of weeks just “to be on a beach with a margarita.”


Nominations due for major SBM awards

Nominations are now open for major State Bar of Michigan awards that will be presented at the September 2010 Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids.

The Roberts P. Hudson Award goes to a person whose career has exemplified the highest ideals of the profession. This award is presented to that member of the State Bar of Michigan who best exemplifies that which brings honor, esteem and respect to the legal profession. The Hudson Award is the highest award conferred by the Bar.

The Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a Michigan attorney holding elected or appointive office.

The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or for devotion to a cause. Not more than five awards are given each year to practicing lawyers and judges who have made a significant contribution to their community, state, and/or the nation.

The Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award was established in memory of the 2006-07 SBM president who passed away in January 2008. This award will be presented to a recognized local or affinity bar association, program or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community during the past year or on an ongoing basis.

The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, named after a Grand Rapids attorney, recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels in commitment to pro bono issues. 

All SBM award nominations are due on Friday, April 2, at 5 p.m.

The Liberty Bell Award recipient is selected from nominations made by local and special-purpose bar associations. The award is presented to a non-lawyer who has made a significant contribution to the justice system. The deadline for this award is Monday, May 3.

Any State Bar member can propose candidates for SBM Awards. To apply online or download application forms visit www.michbar.org/programs/eventsawards.cfm. For more information visit the State Bar’s website, www.michbar.org, or call (517) 346-6373 or (800) 968-1442, or fax (517) 482-6248.
 

Court closings

The Wayne County Clerk’s Office will close Friday, April 2, 2010, at noon in observance of Good Friday.

The Third Circuit Civil, Criminal, and Family Divisions will close at noon on Friday, April 2, 2010, in observance of Good Friday.

The 36th District Court will be closed on Friday, April 2 in observance of Good Friday. Only Criminal arraignments will be conducted.

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